Quick & Easy Teriyaki Sauce Recipe
Introduction
This quick and easy teriyaki sauce is perfect for adding a sweet and savory glaze to your favorite dishes. Ready in just 12 minutes, it’s a versatile sauce that enhances chicken, beef, vegetables, and more.

Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1¼ cups cold water
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup soy sauce or tamari
- 2 teaspoons honey
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water until the cornstarch is fully dissolved.
- Step 2: Add the brown sugar, soy sauce (or tamari), honey, ground ginger, and garlic powder to the bowl. Stir until all ingredients are well combined.
- Step 3: Pour the mixture into a small saucepan and bring it to a simmer over medium-high heat.
- Step 4: Once simmering, reduce the heat to medium and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. Remember, the sauce will thicken more as it cools.
Tips & Variations
- Use tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free version.
- Add a splash of rice vinegar or orange juice for an extra tangy twist.
- For a spicier sauce, mix in a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha.
- Make it thicker by cooking a little longer or adding more cornstarch dissolved in water.
Storage
Store the teriyaki sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to restore its glaze-like consistency.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use this sauce as a marinade?
Yes, this teriyaki sauce works well as a marinade for chicken, beef, or tofu. Marinate for at least 30 minutes before cooking for best flavor.
How can I make the sauce thicker?
To thicken the sauce further, cook it a bit longer over medium heat or add an extra teaspoon of cornstarch dissolved in water and simmer until desired thickness is reached.
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Quick & Easy Teriyaki Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 12 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Quick & Easy Teriyaki Sauce Recipe is a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, ready in just 12 minutes. It combines common pantry ingredients like soy sauce, brown sugar, and honey with aromatic spices to create a versatile sauce ideal for glazing, dipping, or marinating a variety of dishes.
Ingredients
Teriyaki Sauce Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1¼ cups cold water
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup soy sauce or tamari
- 2 teaspoons honey
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Combine the ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water until the cornstarch is completely dissolved, ensuring no lumps remain. Then add the brown sugar, soy sauce or tamari, honey, ground ginger, and garlic powder. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Cook the sauce: Pour the combined mixture into a small saucepan and place it over medium-high heat. Bring the liquid to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to medium. Continue cooking the sauce for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking and to encourage even thickening. The sauce is ready once it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. Keep in mind the sauce will thicken further as it cools.
Notes
- This sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- For gluten-free options, use tamari instead of soy sauce.
- You can adjust sweetness by varying the amount of brown sugar or honey.
- Use this teriyaki sauce as a marinade, stir-fry sauce, or dipping sauce.
- Stir frequently during cooking to prevent lumps and burning.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Japanese
Keywords: teriyaki sauce, easy teriyaki sauce, homemade teriyaki, quick teriyaki, Japanese sauce, stir-fry sauce, glaze, marinade

